The early morning light filtered through my curtains. I peeked my eyes opened, looking through the crack in my curtains. It was raining again this morning. The clouds were a dark gray, and I smiled. The sky looked beautiful. A yawn escaped my lips as I pushed my comforter off of me. I had ended up settling on painting my walls a dark navy. I nodded at the walls. They were pleasing. It was a good choice.

"Good morning Talia!" momma chirped as she bustled around the kitchen. I smiled as I poured myself a glass of milk.

"So, today is the big day!" she stated, excitedly.

"I don't have school today do I?" I asked as panic over-took my chest. I was pretty certain that daddy said school started on Monday, and it was only Friday; but maybe I had mixed up the days? I gulped. Oh, crap. I was doomed.

"What? No, what kind of terrible parents would force their kid to start school on a Friday?" Momma asked scrunching up her nose in horror. "No, my art show is tonight!" Momma squealed the last part out.

"That's amazing momma!" I grinned. Mom was an amazing artist. That was the reason why we had moved across the country. She had received this big signing deal to have her art displayed in this fancy art gallery in Seattle. It was a huge achievement, and we were very proud. My mother had always supported daddy in his passion of construction; now, he was supporting her. When the offer was extended to my mother he found a job in marketing in Washington. I appreciated that both my parents supported each other's' dreams. While my dad may miss his days as a carpenter; I knew he would do anything for my mother to have her dream realized; just like she had done for him all of these years while he worked as a freelancer hoping to start his own construction company.

"Yep! It's going to be a three-hour drive out there. They requested I get there about two hours before the show begins so I can make sure everything is how I like it. Did you want to go?" she asked me curiously.

"I'll be breaking a few hearts of course, but I think I can squeeze it into my schedule," I winked at her as I stole bacon from the skillet.

"And pray tell, who would these lucky fellows be?" she asked with a grin.

"Those drug dealers I was telling you about," I stated as she handed me a plate of eggs, bacon, toast, and grits.

"Well, I'm so happy you chose to be cultured in the fine arts over the streets," She stated sarcastically before we both laughed together.

"When should we leave?" I asked curiously.

"It starts at five this afternoon." Mom answered as she glanced at our clock. "So, we should leave by noon at the latest. I would prefer leaving a bit earlier since we've never been there before." She added thoughtfully. I nodded.

"I'll be ready by ten. We could get there early, have lunch, and look around the city?" I suggested. I didn't practically want to walk around a crowded city, but I knew mom would want to explore. On the Brightside, people would be stare at us like diseased cows like they did in Forks when we went out the day before. I shuddered. I didn't know which was the lesser of two evils: being out in huge crowds or being new in a small town trying to buy paint from the hardware store.

She beamed at me. "I would love that!"

We arrived in the city a little past one in the afternoon. We found one of those nicer places where you're expected to have good manners. I felt my face heat up as we walked through the restaurant behind the host. What if I ordered pasta and dropped it all over myself? Or I tripped over a chair and fell on someone? What if I forgot what fork was my salad fork? I cringed. Why had I not gone to those etiquette classes my grandmother had tried to push me to attend years ago? Wait…why would I need a salad fork? I hate salad. I shook my head of my thoughts as we thanked the host for seating us. The waiter came in soon after taking our drink orders. I decided against the pasta, just in case.

"The waiter is cute," Momma stated with a wink in my direction. I choked on my water.

"What? You don't think he's cute?" she asked curiously sizing the man up. I shrugged. "What's your type then?" she pressed. I shrugged again and she sighed in exasperation. As I grew older she had begun probing me to find out what I wanted in a further romantic partner; or if I wanted one at all. If she noticed a man or woman around my age giving me 'the look' then she began probing. Frankly, I wasn't sure what to tell her.

It was hard to explain to someone that looking at other people in a romantic way just didn't feel right to me. I couldn't explain it really; and it sounds silly, but I kept having these dreams at night. The man in them remained always blurry, and I usually forgot what he looked like when I awoke; but when I looked at other men, I just knew: he wasn't the one.

Oh. My. Gosh. I totally was going crazy! Who dreams about a guy and then actually expects that you'll find him in real life. Maybe it was unrealistic expectations from all of the books I read; or maybe it was the high standards I had for love given that I had grown up watching my parents love as I grew up. I groaned inwardly. I was a loser, a crazy loser. I began playing with my straw absentmindedly as I mulled over how bonkers I was now. Would I have to be committed? Maybe Momma and Daddy would go on one of those commercials talking about how they should have seen the signs; and then the best thing for me was going to the crazy house, and they missed me so much. Then they would cry as the camera panned in on their heartbroken faces. Would there be yummy desserts and pizza in the asylum, though?

The Seattle Art Gallery was booming. Critics were raving over my mother's pieces. It was going really well. I had been standing in one of the corners, out of the way of the crowds of people, but involved enough that I could observe everyone. It amused me how many people brought dates to art galleries in the hopes to impress them when you could tell that neither of them had any interest in art. My favorite person so far to watch, was the woman in the furs. She literally wore furs to this shindig. It was considered a fancy event, hence, my plum colored dress, heels, and my natural hair pinned up in a pleasing up do. I had even put on nighttime makeup; which you know, consisted of a good smoky eye, which would inevitably take forever to wash off in the shower. But this was a sacrifice I was willing to make for my mother to help her make a good first impression. The fur lady amused me though. She would point at each piece with an air of superiority and explain what the artist meant to her band of lackeys. They were just as fun to watch. They were younger, and trying very hard to suck up to the woman. She was laden in expensive jewels and I idly wondered if that was why her earlobes were so saggy. Surely those earrings had to be heavy?

"Lovely work, wouldn't you say?" a woman's voice stated very kindly. I smiled shyly, silently cursing myself for not leaving my long hair down. In all fairness, I had decided on an up do so I couldn't hide behind my hair. I mildly hated my earlier self.

"I'm Sue Clearwater, and this is Charlie Swan." The woman stated, gesturing at a man with her. Both looked a little older than my parents, but they seemed nice. Charlie was out of place standing amongst the furs, the others putting on airs, and the eccentric, artistic sorts. His nice jeans were a little worn but paired with a collared shirt. He even had boots on. I smiled as he awkwardly nodded. He dressed like my father. Sue was beautiful, and most likely Native American. She wore a simple dress and heels similar to my own mother. They looked cute together.

"I'm Talia Edwards, and it's a pleasure to meet you both," I stated as I shook both of their hands.

"Are you Beth Edwards' daughter?" Sue asked me curiously as her smile brightened. I nodded. "Yes ma'am, she is. Have you had the opportunity to meet her yet?"

"Charlie and I were just in conversation with her. She's very talented! You must be so proud," Sue gushed warmly

"Thank you, ma'am, and I am very proud. She's very dedicated to her passion,"

"Do you mind if we stand over here with you for a few minutes? It was getting a bit crowded by the paintings," Sue asked curiously.

"I don't mind, ma'am," I stated with a smile.

"You're very polite," Charlie stated gruffly with a nod.

"Thank you, sir. It's been ingrained in me growing up in the south. I hope it doesn't offend either of you?" I asked biting my lip in worry. The lady at the Forks diner I had applied at for a job earlier in the week had lectured me on her not being a ma'am. I have pretty much sworn off going into that diner as long as I live. That woman was nuts.

"No, we don't mind. You're very respectful." Charlie nodded.

"So, Talia, your mother said you've guys have been here since Monday?" Sue asked me curiously as Charlie thanked a waiter for the drinks he handed to him and Sue.

"Yes, ma'am," I answered. Why would she ask me if she already knew? That was kind of mean of me. She was probably just trying to make conversation with me.

"Are you in college?" she asked curiously. I shook my head.

"No ma'am, I'm in high school. I graduate in May."

"My daughter, Bella, graduates in May too," Charlie stated nodding at me.

"Where does she attend?" I asked curiously.

"Forks High. Do you go to school around here?" Charlie asked.

"No, sir. We live in Forks too," I added.

"Really?" he asked curiously.

"We lived in a small town back home and really loved it. We traveled to the city for what we needed and when we moved, daddy got a job in Port Angeles, Momma signed with the Art Gallery here, and they fell in love with Forks." I explained.

"Do you live in Forks too, Ms. Clearwater?" I asked curiously.

"No, I live out on the Reservation, La Push, with my two children." She stated with a smile. "And you can call me, Sue."

"Hey, listen, I'm the Chief of Police of Forks, if you ever need anything, don't hesitate to call, okay?" Charlie stated handing me his card.

"Thank you, sir. I appreciate that." He nodded at me in acknowledgment.

"So, are you involved in anything else besides school?" Sue asked curiously. I shook my head.

"I've applied to a few jobs so far, but the lady at the Forks Diner decided to hire one of the girls that she watched grow up. Which I understand, she knows her more than me. I used to waitress back home, so I was hoping for a waitressing job, but I guess I'll probably be applying at some of the shops."

"You waitress?" Sue asked curiously.

"Yes, ma'am," I nodded politely.

"Bella works at the Newton store. I don't know if they're hiring, but I can put in a good word for you there if you like." Charlie added. I thanked him. It was easier standing off to the side, speaking to Charlie and Sue. They were kind, and down to earth.

"Talia, you seem like a very lovely lady, and I own a diner in La Push. If you're interested, come by tomorrow afternoon with your mom and have dinner there and see if you might want to work with me and my staff," She stated.

"Really? That would be wonderful. That's very gracious of you," I replied humbly.

She smiled brightly at me. "Come by around six or seven. I'll even give you a discount." She stated with a wink. I laughed.

We slept in on Saturday. We didn't get home until after four in the morning. People had talked to momma all night over her work, which was awesome, but I got tired of being around so many people all at once. I was incredibly happy when we were able to head home. In all fairness, I would like to say that I stayed awake to keep Momma company on the drive but I didn't. She was perky and excited from socializing so much and I was so exhausted I passed out in the passenger seat. I was coherent enough to yank my heels off and pull my hair down from its confines before I fell into a restful slumber. She woke me up when we pulled into the drive, and I almost slept in the car until she dragged me from the passenger seat. We stumbled inside and went our separate ways. I didn't care enough to wipe my makeup off or do anything really. I threw on an oversized sweater as my pajamas and passed out in my bed.

When I awoke the next morning, it was just after two in the afternoon. It had been a lovely sleep, I admit. My covers were warm and fluffy and I did not want to move at all. A knock sounded at my door.

"Hey, kiddo!" Daddy exclaimed as he poked his head through the door.

"Your mom is about to get up I think. She wants to take you to get your school supplies today. You okay with that?" he asked me curiously. I yawned.

"Sure, daddy-o," I answered with a sleepy grin. He chuckled.

"Alright. Well, have fun with your mom. I've got to go to work for the remainder of the day." I frowned.

"Why are they working you so much?" I asked curiously. At home, after his partner stole money from their construction company and it was disbanded; daddy had freelanced carpentry while he worked at an advertising agency to help pay the bills. He was able to work on his advertising projects from the house as long as he met the deadlines and attended the meetings with the clients upon presentation in the office. He had had a lot of freedom in setting his own schedule.

"I have to prove myself on these projects they're assigning me before it can go back to how it used to be." He answered with a slight frown.

"How long will that take?" I asked curiously. I had been missing interacting and seeing daddy.

"Probably until June, when my three-month trial period is up."

I nodded at his answer. "It was cool of you to move here for mom's art." I stated with a smile. He smiled softly back at me.

"I would do anything for you two. I really like my company and job so far too, and Forks has been really nice. I think all of us will really love it here," He added with a wry grin.

"Love you daddy!" I called as he shut the door.

"Love you too munchkin." He called back.

Momma and I drove out to the diner in La Push. I shivered in my oversized sweater as I pulled into the parking lot. The heater in my Tahoe died on our way to La Push. A part of me was nervous to go in as we parked; but the part of me that couldn't feel my nose was much more convincing. I hummed quietly to myself as I filed behind mom. I wasn't particularly interested in being the one to go first. The booths and tables were worn but everything appeared to be relatively clean. I was hoping mom would pick a back booth off in the corner, but she chose one of the center tables. I cringed as my chair skidded against the floor. I could feel people's stares on us. In hindsight, they probably don't get many of the Forks locals on their Reservation. I gulped. I did not blend in at all.

Everyone here seemed to be around my parents' heights. Between five feet nine and six foot five. I barely reached five foot. I had curves for my frame, but I was petite. My skin was porcelain which contrasted against my duke green eyes and my mother's glowing tan and the natives' natural russet. Maybe I could sprint out before...

"I am so happy you both made it!" Sue declared as she came over to our table. An attractive waitress was standing beside her, smiling kindly at us. "I will go ahead and let you both eat first, and we can talk afterward. Talia, Beth, this is Kim. She will be your waitress for the evening, and she will be one of your co-workers, Talia." Sue stated with a nod.

"Good afternoon! I'm Kim like she mentioned. Talia, I like your sweater." She stated warmly. I tried to not squeak at having the conversation turned to me. I could still feel everyone's eyes on us, and it had grown quiet. Well, that wasn't unnerving at all.

"Can I start you both with any drinks?" she asked curiously.

"Coffee, please, Kim." Momma answered with her lovely smile.

Okay Tals, you can do this. Just order a coke. That's what you want. Just say coke. I mentally prepared as I picked at the cuticles on my fingers under the table.

"Er…Coke…?" I winced at how it came out. At least, I said what I wanted, I thought with a shrug. Course she's probably not going to want someone so socially awkward as her co-worker, so maybe Sue won't hire me? I could always go work online or something. Momma would probably frown at that. She was accepting of my anxiety disorders, but she still wanted me to try to socialize and be out in the world. So, that was probably a no-go on the writing online thing. Great.

Kim smiled warmly at us before she headed off into the kitchen. Several of the locals were perched up at the diner's bar drinking coffee, eyeing us. Right, I so did not think this job through. I was going to stick out like a sore thumb here! Not that there was anything with La Push, it seemed peaceful; but I seriously miscalculated the ability to go unnoticed. Not only were we the center of attention because we were new folks, but we were obviously, not Quiletute.

"When would you like to start?" Sue asked me curiously as Kim and myself drank a milkshake that was on the house as we sat at the clean bar. The diner was now empty and Mom was sipping on coffee like Sue.

"I can start tomorrow if you like." I stated shrugging.

"Aren't you starting school on Monday?" she asked with a raised eyebrow. I nodded.

"Yes, ma'am. But I enjoy working. Besides, I might as well start getting used to the grind of things."

"Okay, how about this, you come in tomorrow around one in the afternoon. You can shadow Kim until five when she gets off. Then on Monday, you can start right after school." I nodded at Sue's plan.

"Are you working on Monday?" I asked Kim shyly. I actually really enjoyed her. She was very kind, and we had discovered similar interests. She was in university, though, but I was surprised at how easy it was to talk to her. She nodded and smiled warmly at me.

"Don't worry, since you two seem to get along, I'll make sure your shifts are when Kim will be working, at least until you get comfortable with the swing of things," Sue stated with a nod at me as she wrote something down on her legal pad. I sighed in relief. I was thankful to be able to begin my shifts with one familiar person, even if I did not really know Kim, yet.

I took a deep breath as I sat in my old Tahoe in front of the diner. Sue had told me they didn't have a dress code, but she had given me a black apron. I tugged at my olive green-oversized sweater sleeves as I opened my door and stepped from my truck. I could feel my adrenaline begin to pump through my body. My hands shook inside my sleeves. I bit my lip before opening the diner's door. The little bell jingled, and the diner quieted again as everyone stared. I could feel the heat rising to my face. I cursed myself for putting my hair into a ponytail before I walked in. Maybe I could sprint out now, get in my truck, and pretend this never happened? I could just have mom call Sue and tell her I died and then I will avoid the Reservation for the rest of my life! That was plausible, course I might need to dye my hair or something. I was not entirely sure how red or blonde hair would look on me. Momma had pretty blonde hair but I was so used to use to my coffee brown hair I wasn't sure I would like it as a different color. How expensive were wigs to start a new life?

"Hey, Talia! Throw your apron on, and you can help me wait on my next table!" Kim called. She gave me a small wave and a bright smile as she finished writing down several orders. I attempted to hide my grimace as I tripped over my own feet. I could feel the tight smile that was plastered on my face. I fumbled with tying my apron around my waist. The stupid strings were ridiculously long and I had to wrap them four times around my waist before I made a little bow in the front and pulled the apron over the strings. Why were the strings so long? That might be a health hazard or something! Kim gently tugged my arm and she led me to the kitchen.

"Okay, so, this is Daniel, he's the chef. And when you take an order, place it on these hooks, and then when it's ready, he will place it over here." Kim pointed out as she placed one of her papers on the line. I nodded.

"Great, and then when people are done with their plates, we also bus the tables. So, take their plates, wash them off with the sprayer, then stick them in the sanitation washer. When that's done, everything goes on these shelves. Any questions?" she asked curiously. I shook my head and she smiled at me.

"Here's a menu, they're at all the tables already, but most people don't need them. Read over it and start getting familiar with the items on it." I nodded as she handed me a coffee pot.

"Once we top everyone off and check on them, you can sit behind the counter and handle anyone that sits there. You should have plenty of time to study the menu, and when the next customer pays, I'll show you how to work the register." She added as I followed her out the kitchen doors.

I tagged behind Kim as I balanced my coffee pot in my hands. This wasn't so bad I mused; until I realized everyone had quieted again and were watching me. I gulped.

Do not trip. Do not trip. Do not trip. Do not trip. I chanted as my mantra while I walked over to the first table.

"Hi, I'm Talia." I ground out. "Would you like more coffee?" I asked sweetly with a smile. Oh gosh. I couldn't do this. Nope. No way. No how. The elder man and his wife just stared at me, studying me. Please, hands, don't shake, not now, I begged my body as I held the coffee pot in a death grip between both of my hands.

"I wouldn't mind more coffee. Thank you." The woman stated with a weathered smile. I sighed in relief. I hadn't even realized I had been holding my breath.

"Are you the new waitress, Talia?" the woman asked curiously as I filled her coffee mug up.

"Yes, ma'am, I am. Can I offer you any creamer?" I asked curiously, noting the sugar packets on the tables. At least, that was one less thing I had to carry around and remember to offer to people. She smiled warmly.

"I would love three if you don't mind," I smiled as I pulled several from my apron pocket and set them on the table.

"Where you from?" The man grunted as he motioned for me to top him off too.

"My parents and I just moved from Tennessee. We moved to Forks on Monday," I answered politely. Okay, so, this wasn't so bad. I idly wondered how many times I would have to answer these same questions for the rest of the patrons until I became a familiar face.

"Tennessee you say?" he asked gruffly.

"Yes, sir." I answered with a nod.

"I have a few friends from the Cherokee Tribe, out in the Smokey's. You ever been anywhere near there?" The man asked curiously as he leaned back in his chair.

"We lived on a small farm in the Smokey Mountains. We were about an hour away from their Reservation!" I exclaimed with a bright smile. Okay, so, this wasn't so bad. They were just like grandparents! Granted neither of mine were alive anymore but this couple was just like mine, expect maybe not as russet skinned. Could I adopt this couple? Was that a thing? Could not quite legal adults adopt elder people?

"I visited my buddies out there a few times. They had good fishing if I recall. Good hunting lands too." He gave me a nod as his wife smiled brightly. "Did you ever fish or hunt, young lady?" he asked curiously as he observed me while he sipped his coffee. I nodded.

"Daddy taught me when I was a little girl. I really love fishing, but I get bored with hunting. But I do love target practicing, and doing competitive shooting. Or, I did, when we still lived there. Did you want any creamer?" I asked. He shook his head before grinning.

"You better get on with your job, don't wanna get you in trouble with Sue on your first day, but every time I come back, I wanna hear about some of your stories from the Smokey's you hear?"

"I look forward to it," I grinned at the elder man. He nodded as I turned to the other tables. Everyone began smiling warmly at me, and I sighed in relief as I refilled coffees while Kim served food. The diner wasn't that busy, even for a lunch rush. I remember the diner I worked at being packed. There was always someone barking for food, or someone needing something when I worked in the city. This was pleasant. It was relaxed and once it seemed that the elder couple approved of me, everyone else seemed to as well. Maybe I could do this.

"Hey, Talia, you're doing really well today. Our shift will end soon, so I thought you could take a table on your own. I picked the table, and they're really great people. Are you okay with that?" Kim asked me curiously. I bit my lip before nodding as I put away my rag from wiping down a table Kim had.

"Great! Come here, I'll point them out." She gestured at me, and I stepped out from behind the table and stood beside her. She pointed out a group of people walking into the diner and taking seats. I gulped. She had to be kidding me. The group was crazy attractive. What the heck was in the water they were drinking?

Nope, I officially couldn't do this. I already sucked at talking to people in general, but crazy attractive people? Oh gosh, was it hot in here? I felt nauseous all the sudden as the knots in my stomach tightened with each step I took closer to the table.

There were three attractive men. They were extremely tall, russet skinned, with well-defined muscles that rippled with every movement they made. A tall and slender woman with long hair sat down with them. Scars marred her face and trailed under her shirt. She was beautiful with or without the scars. I personally thought that a woman that had been through whatever traumatic experience she had been through and could still be smiling as brightly as she was at a moment was even more beautiful. I loved learning about other people's lives; their personal stories were beautiful in the brokenness that came with each person. Everyone had their own issues, something they had to work on, and something that made them human. It would be laughable to say someone didn't. That was how you knew someone was strong. They could smile despite their scars. I felt a bit better as I finally stopped in front of their table. They went silent as they stared me. I could feel my face heat up as I ducked my head.

"I'm Talia, the new waitress. What can I get you guys?" I asked shyly as I shifted uncomfortably on my feet. I could still feel their stares and I resisted the urge to cross my arms.

"Why are you white?" rudely gasped one of the boys. He was squinting at me and I squeaked. "And short. Are you in middle school?" I began to panic as I tried to explain that I had moved to Forks and Sue hired me, all that came out was: "Oh. My. Gosh. Ridiculously buff dude! You can't just ask why people are white!" I grimaced as I realized I had just quoted Mean Girls at a customer. I probably shouldn't have watched that on Netflix before work today. Did I seriously just call him ridiculously buff dude? I cursed myself. This was why I didn't have friends my age. Or friends.

The woman glared the boy that had spoken first. Kim walked up beside me then and frowned at the group.

"Talia, why don't you get Emily a green tea, and the boys all a Coke. Then you can come back and take their orders." She nodded at me as I fumbled to put my notepad away. I went to fetch their drinks but I saw her scolding the boy that had spoken first and speaking softly with the woman. I paused as I brought the drinks back. The man on the end, the elder looking one of the men, was staring at Kim with the sappiest expression I had ever seen. He looked love-struck and she was smiling back at him just as sweetly. She gave him a peck kiss on the cheek before walking off to handle the rest of the tables.

"I'm sorry about how things got started off, but I did appreciate your Mean Girl's quote." The woman stated with a kind smile. "I'm Emily Young, this is Embry Call, Quil Atera, and Jared Cameron. He's Kim's boyfriend." She finished as Jared greeted me briefly before returning to watch Kim with a look of pure adoration. My brow furrowed slightly as I set the drinks down.

"Quil, do you have a grandfather with the same name?" I asked curiously. There had been an eccentric old man full of advice that he kept giving me earlier in my shift when I had worked the counter.

One of the He-men's laughed. I hope that one was Quil. They all kind of looked alike with similar haircuts, similar builds, similar everything. Did they all have plastic surgery to look alike or was the water here in La Push just that good? Maybe it was in their cokes. I eyed the cokes I set on the table with intensity. Was it those drinks? Would I grow taller if I drank it? "All the men in his family have his name," the not Kim's boyfriend stated.

"Well, it's a pleasure to meet all of you. Have you decided on what you would like to eat yet?" I asked curiously shaking my thoughts from the cokes.

Note to self: Do not ever again serve the table with the La Push He-men. They ate like ravenous animals. I had to balance one waiter's tray and bring it to each boy! Each boy ate so much that they ordered so many plates of food it took me several trips to serve them! Emily ate like a normal, civilized human. Go Emily! I was slightly scared to put my hands anywhere near the table when I would pick up a cleared plate to get it out of their way. Would they bite my hand by accident? What did my hand taste like anyways? Would I get rabies if they bit me? I sighed as I set the last of their dishes in the sink. My feet were sore, and I was pretty certain I had pie in my hair from some kid that threw a tantrum earlier in my shift. I walked back to the table to hand the group their separate tickets while I bused a few tables with Kim. Eventually, the group of men and Emily walked up to the register together. I quickly took my place and smiled sweetly as each boy paid. Jared was first, and when he was done he sat at the counter and chatted to Kim while she cleaned and giggled at his jokes. They really weren't that funny. I was funnier than he was. How did he have a girlfriend with jokes like that and I didn't even have a friend? He jokingly flexed his muscles as she laughed again. Oh, that would probably explain it. Maybe the secret to friendship was finding people that looked exactly like you and ate as grossly as you did? But Emily and Kim looked nothing like the boys; and Emily didn't eat like them. The verdict on Kim was still out. I hadn't seen her eat yet.

"Are you enjoying your first day, Talia?" Emily asked curiously as I rung her up. I nodded. "Yes, ma'am. Did you enjoy your food?" She smiled warmly back. "I did, thank you. I hope to see you more in here. Will you be back tomorrow?"

"I'm scheduled for Kim's shifts, so I'm sure you will." I added as I handed her the correct amount of change back.

"Are you in school?" she asked curiously as the boys waited patiently for her to finish. I nodded.

"I'll start Forks High tomorrow."

"Kim mentioned you had just moved here. Are you enjoying it?"

"So far, I think."

"Well, thank you for being a wonderful waitress. I'll see later this week I'm sure." Emily stated with another kind smile as the boys followed her out. Kim and I finished up the dishes in the back as the other two waitresses showed up. They were older and seemed a bit cranky as they smacked their gum at me. I hurried after Kim who took Jared's hand. He had apparently been waiting on her.

"How did you like your first day?" Kim asked me curiously as the three of us walked out to the parking lot. I shivered against the rain and cold.

"It was very nice. I really like the locals, and you have been very kind to me. Thank you." I replied honestly. Jared beamed, looking proud of Kim. My heart clenched. They looked so in love and happy it was too freaking adorable to process. I wish I could capture how the two looked at each other and show my momma when she probed about what I wanted if I fell in love. I wanted that. I did not want to be with someone simply to be with someone. If it was not true love, then why bother? I would rather be single than force it with someone I did not love just for the sake of not being lonely.

"Hey, listen, do you have a cell?" Kim asked me curiously as she paused at my truck. I nodded.

"Here, would you put your number in mine? Maybe we could hang out one afternoon," I paused as she smiled kindly at me as she passed me her phone. Hangout? I nodded as I fumbled with her phone keys. She beamed.

"Thanks! I'll text you with my name so you know who the number belongs to. Be safe going home and I hope you enjoy your first day of school tomorrow!"

Kim and Jared waved goodbye as I pulled out of the parking lot. I gave them a slight wave as I drove down the main road back to Forks. I shivered against the cold in my SUV as the rain picked up. Maybe, I was wrong? Maybe I wasn't going crazy after all, and Forks wouldn't be so bad.

I was wrong. It was that bad.

Originally, I had woken up to a text from Kim, wishing me a great first day. I had been excited by the message and felt much better about the day. I may have even squealed in delight at the prospect of gaining a friend. I had quickly showered and threw on my worn skinny jeans, a large plum oversized sweater, and fuzzy-on-the-inside boots. I had skipped downstairs to grab an apple for breakfast and kissed momma on the cheek before getting into my Tahoe and heading off to Forks High. I had passed it a few times when we had gone into town for various things. So, I had no trouble finding it this morning. It was right off the main road, not that were many roads in Forks, anyways.

I pulled into the parking lot and everyone openly stared at me. They just stopped in their tracks and stared like weirdos. I deliberated on running over this teen because he wouldn't get out of the way. He was just standing in the middle of the road like a knot on a log. Dude, who does that? That isn't safe. Daddy always jokingly said hitting a pedestrian was worth thirty points, but I was pretty certain it wouldn't be the best first impression to run over someone on my fist day. I took a deep breath as I grabbed my bag. I could do this. Maybe...hopefully.

I took a deep breath and threw open my driver side door knowing full well if I did not get out now I would drive back home. The soles of my boots hit the wet pavement as I hopped down and everyone just kept staring. It was almost strangely silent for a few moments. Then the whispers broke out. I kept my head down as I hurried towards the building wanting to be far away from this madness.

"Is that the new girl?"

"New girl is short."

"New girl is hot."

"Um…yeah, I guess she's cute if you like midgets,"

I could feel my cheeks heating up with embarrassment. Tears pricked my eyes as the whispers hit my ears. I sprinted into the main office.

It looked like a funeral parlor. Well, that was comforting. Even the fake plant looked dead. Wait, maybe, it was a real plant they forgot to water? How do you forget to water a plant that sits in front of your desk all day? I squinted at the plant, as I got closer to it. I ran my hands over the leaves. Nope, it was totally fake; and these people were charged with caring for teenagers and the fake plant looked dead! A woman cleared her voice and I snapped to attention. My blush intensified as I realized she just caught me feeling up her fake plant and having an inner monologue.

"How can I help you?" the woman asked sizing me up from behind her spectacles. I gulped as I shifted on my feet awkwardly.

"Um, I-" I cleared my throat as I shifted my backpack to the other shoulder. "I'm Talia Edwards, the new student," I stated as I tried to quell my nerves. Recognition crossed the woman's eyes as she nodded.

"Yes, I have all of your papers here. Here's your schedule, your locker number is there on it, and here's a paper I need all of your teachers to sign and then for you to turn in at the end of the day." She stated with a nod as she pushed the papers at me.

"Is there a map, maybe?" I squeaked out. She laughed. "You won't need one, sweetie. Now try not to be so nervous. Nobody will bite!" she stated with a dismissive wave.

I took a deep breath as I stepped into the hall and searched for my locker. No map? What kind of place was this? Was someone going to push me down a set of stairs and lock me in a basement? I don't care how small a school they thought they had, a map was always a good idea! It eased first day jitters and those of with anxious minds that would triple check that we had the correct locker or room. I groaned in frustration as people stared at me and whispered while I walked down the hallways looking for my stupid locker. At this point, I was more than happy to just drag my backpack around with me all day. Forget the locker, I just had one class worth of books and my laptop to do college work on during my study halls. I could do that. I paused when the locker numbers got closer to the one I was looking for. Eventually, I came across the locker I needed. It was dented severely at the bottom and resembled the kind of locker that wasn't normally used for students. I struggled to get it open. Tears pricked my eyes as my chest began hurting. I slammed my body against the locker in frustration. This totally wasn't a locker they normally gave out. I began becoming more agitated with the stupid thing. I growled at the locker in frustration. Stupid contraption. I kicked it with all my might. Okay, so, I have anger issues too when I'm frustrated, sue me. The locker was stupid, anyways. Why had they not ripped this infernal thing from the wall and smelted it down? I felt a bit better as the locker finally creaked open. It was dinky, but it was finally open. I started shoving my bag in there with a binder.

"Hey there. I'm Newton. Mike Newton," a buttery voice cooed to my right. I jumped in surprise as I shut my locker door to find a preppy looking guy posed against the locker beside me. Did he dye his hair? It was perfectly spiked, with honey highlights. I suddenly felt self-conscious. I literally washed my hair and threw some hair product in it this morning to keep the frizzies from over-taking my head.

"So, new girl, what's your name?" he asked with what I'm sure he thought was a winning smile. Let's be clear: it was not. I had already found the poor dead, fake plant and battled the locker from hell, now this James Bond wannabe being unable to introduce himself and ask for my name like a normal human being was not making the best impression. I felt the urge to kick my stupid locker again. I refrained from doing so, but it would be so satisfying. Granted, I would rather take out this dude's shins, but alas, I did that on my first day of kindergarten and my momma was super pissed that day. I did not think starting out my senior year like that would make her happy. Daddy would probably give me a thumbs up from behind her while she scolded me.

"Talia Edwards," I replied as I clutched my binder to my chest. I wasn't in Casino Royale, and he didn't look like James Bond. He was not going to have his James Bond pick-up line dignified

"Well, how about I show you around the school? Then maybe later we could—"

"Was that the bell?" I asked before stepping around the guy and fast walking far away from him. Okay, so the bell didn't ring, but I couldn't handle so many stimuli all at once. Plus, I kept staring at his honey highlights wondering how his stylist got them so perfect and how much gel he had to use to get his hair so spiky. I self-consciously patted my own waves. Should I use gel?

The morning was mostly spent with my teachers making me stand in front of the classroom and introduce myself. I silently hated those teachers. My hands shook inside my sleeves and I tried my best not to fidget as I stood before my peers. I could feel the blush permanently staining my cheeks for the remainder of the day. At one point, in the period before lunch, I actually did trip on my way to the back of the classroom where my seat was located for my last study hall of the day. I wanted nothing more than a hole to appear in the floor and swallow me whole; especially when the teachers kept going on about how smart they had heard I was. Why, why didn't I stay back at home for my senior year to finish out my diploma there? At least, back there people didn't try to talk to me anymore.

"Hey, Talia, right?" asked a pale girl. She was actually paler than me, which was kind of new.

"Yeah, and you are?" I asked more out of politeness than anything.

"I'm Bella Swan," she stated softly.

"Oh! You're Charlie's daughter. He and Sue told me you go her," I added with a nod. She looked mildly surprised by my comment. Great. I probably scared this girl with my knowledge I knew about her that she had yet to tell me. Lovely, Edwards.

"Do you have anyone to sit with at lunch? My boyfriend and our friends would love for you to sit with us if you don't," she told me kindly. I inwardly sighed. No, no I did not want to be forced to socialize anymore today. I just wanted to crawl back into my bed and Netflix with a cup of hot chocolate. Why was that so much to ask for? Momma wanted me to stay for lunch before leaving for the day; but technically, I was free to leave for the day after this period. I wanted to make a break for it.

"Um…thanks, Bella-" The bell cut me off then, and Bella pulled me by my arm and began leading me to the cafeteria. Well, I guess I can't get out of this now. There went my plans of ordering take-out and dragging it back to my house before my shift at the diner.

"I heard you guys came from across the country?" she asked me curiously as we weaved through the throng of students. I nodded.

"Yeah." I stated when I realized she probably wasn't looking down to see me nod in reply.

"I moved in with my dad, Charlie, from Arizona. Do you like it here, so far?" she asked me curiously.

"I love it a lot," I replied with a shrug.

"Really? I'm not fond of the rain, but it's okay, I guess," Bella added with a small sigh. I squinted at her. Who didn't enjoy the rain?

I paused as we closed in on a full table. It seemed to be divided. There was one seat in the middle, and on either side were what appeared to be two different groups. I froze as I registered one of those groups. They were crazy pale, with abnormally perfect features. Each one looked different than the next, but all had similar skin tones and perfectly chiseled faces. They were beautiful, but I was frightened. Well, more so than I normally am of people. There was something in my gut telling me to run. I felt the hairs on the nape of my neck stand up like I was in danger. I shivered. I prayed this weird school had not decided to turn off the heat.

"Talia, this is my boyfriend Edward Cullen, Alice Brandon, Jasper Hale, Rosalie Hale, and Emmet McCarty," Bella stated as she pointed to each of the really pale people. Edward gave me a very polite acknowledgment, Alice chirped a perky 'hello', Jasper nodded, and Emmet waved. Rosalie glared at me. I was not entirely sure what I did to offend her; but honestly, her reaction was the most normal to me all day. Here some new kid was coming to their table and they didn't know me; much less the weirdly divided table. In her defense, I wasn't sure I would be super comfortable with some random person showing up at my table, either. We did not each other.

"And, I don't know if you've met them yet, but this is Mike Newton, Tyler Crowley, Lauren Mallory, Jessica Stanley, Eric Yorkie, and Angela Weber." They greeted me and I took a seat on the end, sitting beside Angela and Eric. I remembered Mike, Lauren, and Jessica from earlier in the parking lot. They were the three whispering about me this morning. Angela had kept to herself in one of my earlier classes so I hoped taking a seat next to her would be a safe bet. Bella sat at the empty seat in the middle of everyone. It seemed to be splitting the groups, and she was the only reason everyone was gathered at one table. I frowned slightly, before the bombardment of questions.

"Where are you from?"

"So, new girl, do you have an accent?"

"Where do you live Talia, maybe we live on the same street?" I silently thanked my parents for choosing one of the houses on the outskirts of Forks, nearer to the Reservation, and one with a bigger plot of land that was secluded. I internally cringed at Tyler when he asked that question. Didn't they ever hear of stranger danger? You just don't go around sharing your address with people! That was how people in creepy vans rolled up and yanked you off the streets!

"Like, how old are you even?" sneered the blonde that I think was called Lauren. You know, if you shaved all of her hair off, I bet she would look like a fish. Her eyes are fish-like after all. That probably wasn't very nice of me to think, but I didn't appreciate being sneered at.

"So, like, maybe we could all get together this weekend and hang!" the one I think was named Jessica stated as she came to sit beside me. She giggled as she grabbed my arm and I froze. What the ever-loving hell was wrong with these people. I didn't know you, you don't me, why are you touching me? I could feel the panic rising to my chest as Mike leaned in. His spiky hair was in my face again. Were the blonde highlighted spikes dancing? Oh, crap, no, the room was just starting to spin. I felt hot all of a sudden as nausea overtook me. Why did I pick to sit on this side of Bella? The other side looked silent. I jerked to my feet.

"Thanks, gotta go, bye," I cried out with an awkward wave. I yanked my arm out of Jessica's grip and bolted. I yanked my backpack out of my locker. My hands were sweating as I tried to calm my breathing down. I began trying to focus on slowing down my breaths. I could hear someone coming down the hall and talking.

"Why did she just freak out like that?" asked Jessica.

"What a freak," sneered Lauren.

"Come on guys, we probably only scared her, let's go find her." Mike's voice floated to me. I froze momentarily before sprinting down the hall like a startled deer. I wanted to be far from this place. I barreled through the side doors of the school and sprinted for the comfort of my vechile. I flung my bag in the passenger seat and cranked it up. I threw it in drive and tore out of the parking lot with heavy metal blaring through my old speakers.

The little bell jingled as I walked into the diner with take-out, a bottled cherry coke, my bag, and an apron. Kim and Sue looked up curiously at me, both taking in my mildly disheveled appearance.

"Talia! What are you doing here? Are you alright?" asked Kim as I slumped into an empty seat at the counter. I took a deep breath as I blinked back tears. I broke down there on her and Sue. I told them everything. About my severe anxiety disorders. I fought back tears as the overwhelming emotions from school rushed me. I told them about the poor fake-dead plant that woman murdered, the dinky locker I was pretty sure I bruised my foot on from kicking it, being dragged into a lunch room, and making an illegal U-turn when I realized I was passing the Chinese take-out restaurant.

"Wait, so you skipped your last classes?" Sue asked with a frown. I shifted under her scrutiny. "In all fairness, I only have one actual class, and that's my first period. All my other classes for the morning are study halls, then after that I am technically free for the day," I defended.

"How did you swing that?" Kim asked with a low whistle as she wiped the counter down.

"I wanted to graduate high school early but my school back home wouldn't let me; but they would let me enroll in college courses. I'm convinced it was just to up their graduate rates." I grumbled. "I'm sorry for barging in, I just kind of panicked, and I feel a lot better out here, I guess." I stated as my eyes fell downcast and I stared at the countertop. Why did I feel better out on the Reservation than I did back in Forks? Great, now Kim would realize how much of a weirdo I was and would not desire to be my friend anymore. Sue, would probably fire me for being so crazy.

"It's okay, Talia," Sue soothed, "When we met I figured you struggled with anxiety," Sue stated "I'm also the nurse for the Rez," she added at my questioning look.

"If you want to clock in early after you finish your lunch, then feel free to do so, or you can hang out until your shift starts. I don't mind. Now, I need to make a few phone calls, can you girls handle it out here?" Kim and I nodded.

"Dude, that took some serious balls just skipping like that." Kim stated with an impressed look. I blushed.

"I mean, seriously, you just ditched? Just like that!"

"Well, those creepy teenagers were following me, and I kinda panicked and then one thing led to another and now I'm here." I shrugged as I took a bite of my Chinese doughnuts rolled in sugar. They were heavenly

"I was too much of a goodie good during school. I never broke the rules." Kim sighed with a wistful look.

"You're hardcore, Edwards." She added.

"I'm honestly probably just crazy. Why didn't you break the rules?" I asked curiously through a bite of my noodles. She shrugged.

"I was too scared to really. I had always been the good girl that did her work, and all the teachers counted on. I was also super shy and I probably would've cried if I got caught. What would you have done if you got caught?" she asked.

"Honestly? Panicked again, kicked whoever caught me in the shins, and then sprinted to my truck anyways." Kim burst into laughter.

"Listen, I don't know what it's like to have an anxiety disorder, but I do know what it's like to be super shy and having a hard time making friends, if you ever need anything, text me." She stated with a smile.

"Thanks Kim." I smiled feeling touched by her offer of friendship.

When I got home that night my parents sat me down and talked to me. Sue had called them. She had gotten their permission and worked it out with the school that I only had to show up for my first period class; with the condition that I worked so many hours a week, as a co-op sort of thing. My school had approved; apparently Sue was on the Reservations Council, and between that and apparently dating the police chief of Forks helped to give someone a lot of sway with the school officials. After that, school went a lot better. People still stared at me when I pulled into the lot for the rest of the week, but I went to class, did my work, and left. I would drive out to the Rez and work on my college work at the counter until lunch. I would lock my bag up in Sue's office and join Kim at the counter for lunch. We chatted over everything and anything until we finished. I would clock in and then join her on the floor.

This leads me to that next Friday.

The little bell jingled on the diner that morning and Kim looked up and stared at me in surprise.

"Tals, what are you doing here so early? Don't you have first period right now?" she asked as she glanced at the wall clock. I slumped onto the counter seat I usually occupied, the one more off to the side.

"Oh, my goodness. You ran off again!" she screamed whispered. "Hold on, let me fill this guy's coffee and then you better spill!" she ordered. I was pretty sure I had never seen Kim walk that fast in the diner, with the exceptions of when Jared was waiting for her. She always was fast and did a great job, but in this moment, it looked like she was running a race for the Olympics. She was standing behind the counter fixing the two of us hot chocolates in seconds. "Alright. Spill." She nodded at me.

"So…I've never been on a date." I mumbled as I ducked my head in embarrassment. She froze.

"Like, ever?" she asked. I shook my head.

"Why?" she asked curiously.

"I dunno. I don't like the guys that ask in that way." I stated with a shrug. "And I don't swing the other way." I added as she opened her mouth. "There has not been anyone that has really caught my attention enough for me to agree to a date," I mentioned. She nodded.

"So, I started to pull into school today, but apparently there's this big shindig happening-a dance I think-and the student council was outside with the football team-did you know we had a football team? I didn't. Or cheerleaders. When did we get those things? The school is too small for a real football team and cheerleaders, and a student council!" I ranted. Kim smiled at me as she giggled at my rant.

"So, they were taking up the parking lot with like booths and signs and crap and we were all in a line trying to get through the lot to park, and they should be ticketed for impeding traffic, I'm just saying. And so, Mike Newton, this guy who introduced himself like James Bond but doesn't look like James Bond, and has unnaturally perfect hair, walked up to my vechiles window!" I gestured wildly with my hands in the air as Kim set my cup in front of me.

"The horror!" she gasped like a good friend.

"Yes, and so I rolled my window down, and HE ASKED ME TO THE DANCE ON A DATE." I screamed-whispered with horror written on my face.

"What did you say?" Kim asked me curiously as she sipped on her drink. "Kim! Did you not hear the rant about his unnaturally perfect hair? He spends more time on his hair than I do!"

"Mmm, good point, go on."

"So, I said no."

"Just like that?"

"Well, I kinda panicked and shouted at him in Quileute."

Kim burst into laughter then, "Wait, you did what?"

"Yeah, you know how Old Quil always comes in and chats to me for an hour or two in the mornings? Well, he's been talking to me in Quileute, so I started studying it, and he got really excited and now I'm getting okay at it."

"I don't see how that led you to the diner, though." Kim asked after she finished laughing.

"Right, I'm not done. Well, then this guy named Tyler-"

"Isn't that the guy you contemplated running over for standing in the parking lot and staring at you last Monday?" she asked curiously. I nodded.

"Right, death-wish-Tyler, he came over to my truck's window too, and asked me to the dance!"

"I'm assuming at this point you spazzed and said no. Was it in Quileute though?" Kim asked curiously. I shook my head.

"Well, I saw two other guys from my first period running up to my window, and I heard the words, "New Girl, and, dance" and I freaked."

"So…what did you do?" Kim prompted as I winced.

"I kinda, might possibly have kicked the ole Tahoe into four-wheel drive, turned the wheel, and floored it over the curb, grass median, ditch, and then I sped onto the main road, and floored it here." I stated. Kim busted into laughter.

"I can't breathe!" she gasped out as she held her side.

"Talia! Oh, my goodness, I am so glad we met. I wish I had been as brave as you when I was your age!"

"You're literally only four years older than me, Kim." I pointed out as my face scrunched up at her.

"Still, you're a riot and I wish we had gone to the same school growing up."

"How are you going to explain this to your parents and school?" she asked curiously. I shrugged.

"I planned on forging my dad's handwriting and signing his name on an excuse note. I could never get mom's down…" I muttered. "Course I'll tell them when I get home tonight." I added with a shrug.

"And they're cool with that?"

I shrugged. "If the worst thing I have ever done was cut one class, then yes."

"Fair point."

Saturday rolled around with a light rain that morning. It was colder than it had been all week. I wore one of my favorite oversized sweaters. It was worn, and tended to dwarf me a bit, but goodness it was warm. I threw on leggings since the sweater was more like a dress on me anyways, and fuzzy boots. I threw my long hair into a loose ponytail, leaving a few pieces out around my face. I tied my apron around my waist before hoping out of the heater-less car I owned. I should really remember to take a look at that and fix it. I took a deep breath. I had made it through my first three weeks of the move. I sighed in content as I walked into the warmth of the diner. The bell jingled its familiar tune and I greeted the customers. I clocked in and greeted Kim. We laughed throughout our shift as I chatted to the customers I did know, and introduced myself to the ones I didn't know.

Kim and I had found an easy rhythm as we waited different tables, and worked the counter; it was becoming easy, even with the chaos that the diner sometimes brought, I felt more at place. I heard the bell jingle behind me as I cleaned up one of the tables a group had just left. I heard Kim greet them happily. I stopped for a moment as a musky smell evaded my senses. It seemed to be the forest smell I loved so much mixed with Old Spice deodorant, and something I could not place. I shook my head as I piled the rest of the dirty dishes into my dirty dish box; and wiped down the table before taking the dishes to the kitchen to quickly get them into the sanitation washer. After I finished with the dishes I opened the kitchen door to head back to the main floor and the smell hit me again. I hummed in content as I took in a deep breath. The tension in my muscles seemed to ease for a moment, and my mind cleared as warmth trickled from my head to my toes. Then the noise of the diner hit me like a freight train and my content bubble of peace popped. I snapped out of whatever was going on, and went back to taking orders.

As I was wiping down another table, I heard a group of high school girls gossiping.

"I hear they're all in a gang," stated one. I snorted as I worked. I had heard these same stories about Kim's group of friends, the he-mans and Emily. They had come in at various times during the week, but I could never keep up with who-was-who. Kim always seemed to know, and she usually took their tables. It made sense since she was good friends with everyone. Emily came in a few times too. She always greeted me kindly. Plus, Jared was pretty all right. He was always nice to me too, and he usually waited on Kim to finish her shift. He would chat to me some, and we got along fine. He and Kim always waited on me to finish and made sure to walk me out. He was a gentleman, and he loved her unconditionally; she, in turn, you could tell, loved him just as fiercely.

"Well, just look at all of them. They all must be doing steroids and selling drugs because all of them got hot," whispered the other girl as she blatantly stared at the boys and Kim. I rolled my eyes. Yeah, because high school and college aged boys working for the old council people, keeping the Reservation safe, and breaking up stupid teenaged parties, were totally drug dealers. Plus, I was fairly certain Kim was too kind of a girl to get messed up in that kind of stuff; she once texted me freaking out because she accidentally brought home one of the diner's forks in her lunchbox. The next morning, I had brought back my collection of diner forks that I kept forgetting about and bringing home in my lunch too. She was a better person than me. I always forgot about it, and when I did remember I would just shrug. Daddy had kept asking Momma if she had bought extra forks, because we had a surplus of those in comparison to the other silverware. Kim had apologized profusely to Sue, who had handled Kim's discomfort with kindness. I hadn't even mentioned mine collection to Sue. I just shoved them in the washer and went on with my shift. So, I was pretty certain, Kim wouldn't date a He-man into drugs. Pretty sure, that wasn't going down.

"Ugh, and they're soooo stuck up. They barely have anything to do with us," pouted one of the girls. Anger welled in my stomach. These girls were trash talking people they knew nothing about and they wondered why Kim's friends were not fawning over them? Most people don't tend to be buddies with the people trash talking them in public. Duh.

"Hey, I'm Talia, is there anything I can get you two?" I asked them curiously, hoping to break up the whiny chatter. One of them huffed as she eyed me.

"What's fat free, carb free, calorie free, and won't make me fat?" asked the other. I couldn't help it. My face, I know, had a 'WTF ARE YOU KIDDING ME' look plastered onto it. I bit back a snort.

"Water." I quipped up, all traces of niceness gone. I heard snickers from a table in the back. I glanced back and saw Kim giggling with Emily, and the He-mans. I gave her a small shrug. I guess they were able to hear my comment.

"Fine, I'll have that." Sneered the girl.

"What are the guys over there eating?" asked the other girl. "Because maybe if we order what they're having they'll come over here and have a date with us." I followed her finger at her pointing at the boys. I wasn't certain, but they all looked in their mid-twenties, and this girl, I was certain was not anywhere near there. I doubted she was even fourteen!

"How old are you?" I asked curiously. The snickers intensified. "Because I'm pretty sure, you are jailbait to them; And they don't strike me as the kind of guys that are romantically into children…or people that think they can live off of water." I muttered the last part with an eye roll. The two girls glared at me.

"I'm fifteen thank you," hotly retorted one. I snorted. "Besides, we have much more to offer than that girl Jared Cameron is dating," sneered the other. I quirked an eyebrow.

"Like coloring books? Juice boxes? Supervised play dates?" I quipped. I had little tolerance for people that acted this way, and my loyalty ran deep. You did not dis my friend, and anyone of her association; especially since Jared had brought us both homemade ice cream his mother had made once this week; like he literally brought me ice cream too; and he and Kim have only known me for two weeks give or take. I wasn't about to let these girls act like this about someone that brings me ice cream, or Kim.

"Whatever, waitress," sneered the more annoying one. "We both want to split a milkshake and a water." She ordered. I rolled my eyes. "Kay, brats," I mimicked their tone before twirling on my heel and heading off into the kitchen.

"You, Tals, are amazing. Jared was so upset with that comment that they made about me. I appreciate you having my back and my friends'," Kim stated as she waltzed into the kitchen after me. I shrugged as I pulled out the child's plastic cup and filled it with water.

"You're my friend. And Jared is a nice guy and Emily has always been very kind to me these past weeks, and if you and him trust the He-man group—" I shrugged as I made the milkshake in a child, spill-proof cup, "Then I have no problems with stepping in. What they said wasn't called for."

"Did you just call them the He-Man group?" Kim asked with an amused chuckle. I nodded. "Like, why does everyone think they do drugs? I mean you literally freaked out about accidently taking a diner fork the other night. I doubt you would get mixed up with a gang. Plus, those guys don't scream 'gang' to me. They look too tired to scream anything really most of the time. Plus, Jared brought you, and also me, his mom's homemade ice cream. What gangbanger does that? None."

Kim gave me a soft smile. "I'm glad you're not like everyone else and not caught up in the silly drama. Our guys are just-different."

"Yeah, like you," I stated with a shrug.

"What do you mean?" she asked as she grabbed a fresh coffee pot.

"You're more mature. I'm not saying I know them, or they're like super mature or anything; but they seem like they have their priorities right, and most people our ages don't. You're like that too. Now come on, I wanna see their faces when I give them their child cups and this coloring page and crayons."

"They're going to kill you," Kim mused as she followed behind me.

"Uh, I totally just took up for your He-man group, the least they could do is be my muscle," I stated with a wink at Kim. She laughed as she went around filling coffee cups. She stood beside the He-man and Emily's table while I waltzed over to the bratty girls' table. That smell hit me again, and I faltered for a moment before shaking it off and stood in front of their table.

"What is this?" sneered one.

"A coloring page and crayons. I thought an activity suited to your maturity level would keep you girls entertained. And look! You brats have childproof cups in case you throw a tantrum! Okay, have fun!" I exclaimed cheerfully before skipping to tend to my other tables. The girls spluttered as their faces turned the a shade similar to a blueberry. I did not even realize that was a shade your face could turn. I grinned. It was official: I totally loved my job. Our patrons snickered and many of the elderly people, like Old Quil, gave me a pat on the back or quick thumbs up. They snickered along with Kim and her friends. Apparently, these girls were always annoying tyrants.

The girls had been sitting there for ages, silently seething. At first, they had been too embarrassed to speak. Then, about twenty minutes in they complained about me and ridiculed every aspect of me. I shrugged. I might be going crazy, but at least I wasn't a brat.

It was just past the hour mark when I was walking through the diner with a family's order on my serving tray. I was balancing it on one hand in the air. I was smiling happily and passing out the orders when it happened: they began trash-talking Emily.

"Look at how horrible her stupid face is," stated one, loudly enough that even I could hear them from across the diner. I tried to hurry to set my plates down so I could go whack them upside their heads with my serving tray. To heck with getting fired; Emily brought Kim and me the best muffins I had ever eaten the day before last for lunch; and she was always kind to me. She was graceful to me despite when I got weird in public due to my anxiety and general awkwardness.

"I can't believe she's even engaged," sneered the other one.

"Probably a pity marriage I bet! I mean have you seen how hot Sam is, and look at her," declared the other. I ground my teeth.

"Paul!" growled Jared's voice as a crash came from the direction of the He-men table. The diner went quiet as a super large, buff; He-man had jumped from his seat at their booth, and was shaking, hard. Crap. What was happening? Oh shit! He was probably going into cardiac arrest! Wait…the man looked too fit from the back to go into that…I sat my platter down and rushed over to him as Jared stood up, speaking lowly.

"Uh, hi, really tall, buff guy—" I began as I touched the guy's arm. I gasped at how hot his body temperature was through his tee shirt. He was literally burning up! I also felt a jolt of electricity through my system when I touched him, and that scent that kept messing with me all day hit me like a freight train again. His dark eyes snapped to mine, and I noted a five 'o'clock shadow sharpening his already defined jaw. My mind went blank as I kept staring at him. His eyes seemed to go from enraged to adoration to recognition and then back to adoration in a matter of seconds. We both seemed frozen on the spot, and I'm pretty sure I heard someone mutter, "Fuck! How's he that attractive? What the hell is up with the water here?" I realized after several giggles, mostly from Kim and Jared, that it was me that uttered that sentence. I shook my head and removed my hand from the attractive guy. Right, back to what I was doing before.

"Listen, are you having a seizure?" I asked. He looked at me, confusion marring his rugged features. "What?" he asked in a gravelly voice.

"You should probably lie down, you were shaking really crazily, and it looked like a seizure, and I'm not a nurse, but I think you could choke or something if we don't lay you day correctly…? Also, Kim, ambulances, do you guys have those? Does Forks even have those?" I asked turning to her in general curiosity. I mean, we were like the smallest town ever and if the teens I went to school was anything to go by then I didn't suspect we would have any doctors. "Sue! We should probably call Sue!" I nodded at Kim and she shook her head.

"Talia, Paul's fine, he was just—uh, saw a spider?" she trailed off and winced.

"You do realize you are a terrible liar. Besides, look at him and the rest of this group. They're built like houses. What spider stands a chance against them?"

"One in Australia maybe…?" she winced again before sighing. "Just—yeah, don't worry. He's not sick or anything. He's fine," she stated. I squinted at her to be sure before shrugging. As long as he didn't need medical intervention, it really was not my place to pry into someone else's business.

"Kay, but if he dies, you have to fill out the paper work." She laughed and nodded. I could feel the diner staring at us and I could hear Old Quil chuckling to himself. He gave me the thumbs up and I blushed as I realized that I literally had just admitted this guy was attractive. A blush formed on my cheeks as I went to pick up my serving tray from the empty table I had left it on. I went to set it in the kitchen and grabbed a coffee pot to help mask my shaking hands. I also took several deep breaths before chatter resumed in the diner. I heard a scuffle at the kitchen door before it sounded like someone was dragged off. I frowned at that before shaking it off.

"You are so out of Paul Lahote's league." The two bratty girls stated as I set their ticket down on the table. I rolled my eyes. They kept being loud enough to insult me. Paul started shaking violently again and I marched back over there to Kim who was whispering at him to get a grip.

"Are you sure he's okay. That can't be normal." I implored to Kim as I gestured at the violent shaking He-Man. "We should really call Sue."

Paul's head snapped to mine again, and I blushed brightly. I could hear the other guys snickering and Emily scolding someone. I ducked my head and returned to the register where the parents and their kids paid for their meals and left a decent tip. All that was left was the two bratty girls, the He-Man group, and Old Quil. I was wiping down the counters as Old Quil chatted animatedly at place at the counter asking me questions while he sipped his coffee. I idly wondered if I should cut him off of the coffee pot. Could he die from too much caffeine? He was really old after all…. My eyes kept straying to Paul's toned shoulders or at least, I should have been stealing glances at his shoulders had he not been blatantly staring at me unwaveringly. Every time I caught his eye, I blushed and ducked my head again. It was almost amusing, though, seeing him and the other boys scrunched into the booth with Emily. Kim bustled around the diner taking plates back to the kitchens and me and her tidying up while it slowed down considerably. She chatted a lot with the He-man group.

"Talia, why don't you go and get us both a milkshake," Old Quil nodded at me. I nodded as I sat my rag down. "It will be on me. I really enjoyed your interactions with those girls. Did you know that they rolled my house last week?"

"Your house?" I gasped in horror, "I hope you used your old people powers and your Quileute magic to send vengeful spirits upon their souls," I stated solemnly. He laughed. "I did! I got you!"

"At your service." I stated with a mock bow. I quickly whipped us both up a milkshake, heavy on the chocolate and whipped cream. I walked out in time to hear the girls trash talking Emily again. My eyes narrowed.

"She's a piece of trash and so is that Kim girl. We should totally trip them and dump our drinks on them."

"Old Quil," I stated through gritted teeth, "Drinks are on me." I marched over to the girls and without hesitation I dumped both milkshakes on the two girls.

They screeched in horror, and I could hear Kim, Emily, and one of the boys' gasp, (I think it was Jared), the rest laughed with Old Quil.

I leaned in really close to the girls, "If either of you ever speak ill of, or try to do anything to Kim and Emily, I will give you a reason to get a nose job. Now get out." My voice was quiet and deadly, and yet, I was pretty sure I heard the He-man table have a slight gasp. They couldn't have that good of hearing, could they?

They bolted from the diner screeching profanities and calling me terrible names. I shrugged. I quickly cleaned up their table and Old Quil gave me a high five. I brought him and I new milkshakes on me. He kept going on about what happened like an excited five-year old. I dunno, but I think I let him have too much sugar and caffeine today. I supposed there wasn't normally this much excitement in the dinner, but still. I did not need two people going into possible cardiac arrest during my shift.

"Talia…" Kim stated with awe in her voice, she plopped down beside Old Quil. "Yes, Kimmie?" I asked. "You are amazing."

"You are too, even if you freak out about forks." I smirked at her from behind my milkshake.

"That was one time!" she defended before laughing. The He-Man group walked over to the counter and Kim came to stand behind the register to ring them all up. I would have but I didn't really feel like it. Those guys ate so much, and you had to type in so many orders and it just a pain really. She could have fun with it. She was dating one of them anyways.

"Talia, I don't think we've introduced you to Paul, yet." Emily piqued up. I froze. I had been avoiding looking at him despite feeling his intense gaze on my every movement. I looked up from my seat behind the counter and gulped. I felt myself get lost in his dark, almost black eyes again. Seriously! What was in the water here?

"Like what you see?" teased one of the He-men, I'm pretty sure it was the one named Embry-o. I blushed as I ducked my head. I heard a low growl from somewhere above me.

"Hey, I'm Paul," he stated with a smile. It was much more of a bad-boy smirk than anything, and I felt my knees grow weak. I shook his hand, and I was surprised to realize how easily it fit in his. His large one engulfed my tiny one, but it felt right. Almost as if our hands were to puzzle pieces locking together. Oh gosh, I had become a cliché. My head snapped up again and I yanked my hand from his as Embry and Quil snickered again. Jared whacked both of them upside the head, and Paul looked rather hurt. I took a step back and Old Quil frowned.

"You know, Talia, it looks like yours and Kim's shift is over," Old Quil remarked with a grin, "Maybe all of you could go hang out," he prompted.

"Yeah, that would be really fun, Talia! We could all go to beach," Kim stated with a nod. "I was going to make muffins when we got back, if you guys wanted to come back to our place, all of you could pop in a movie," Emily added. Everyone was staring at me intently but I shivered under Paul's intense gaze. There were too many people crowding around the counter, too many snickers invading my senses, too much pressure and fear and the thought of embarrassing myself. Plus, I totally didn't know these people! They could be serial killers too! And that darn smell! It kept hitting me like a warm, comforting blanket. I shook my head.

"I would really love for you to hang out with me," Paul stated lowly. His voice was low, and gravely, and I was sure I had died and floated into heaven. So, I did what any normal girl that had the freaking most attractive He-Man in existence asking you to hang out with him, would do: I panicked.

"Can't gotta shave my poodle!" I declared before sprinting from behind the counter and sprinting to the Tahoe. I fired the engine up and floored it out of the parking lot. I heard my phone ding at some point but I brushed it off. I was an idiot.

I shivered as I ran through my yard, through my front door, and up the stairs to my bedroom. I yanked my apron off, and kicked my boots off before flinging myself onto my bed. I sighed in exasperation before checking my text messages.

Kim: Shave your poodle?

Me: I. Am. Hopeless.

I spent that night in and out of a restless sleep. At some point, I opened my window and went to look out at the stars. I took a deep breath as the wind blew. I sniffed the air and frowned, was that smell from back at the diner on my clothes? My eyes popped open as I glanced out at the forest. I gulped. I am pretty certain I saw something furry flash through the trees. I raced to get my window shut as I heard howling in the distance. I dove into my bed and laid there until the early morning before I drifted off to sleep.